Hammond Fire honors its members

HAMMOND – Family and friends of the Hammond Volunteer Fire Department gathered Saturday to salute its members achievements over the last year.

At the banquet, held at the Gran-View Restaurant, Ogdensburg, several firefighters received awards for their service in 2013.

Rick Bass Jr. received the Fran Boland Award for his above and beyond dedication to the fire department, Mr. Bass said.

The award is given each year in honor of Mr. Boland, a department member who died suddenly in 2001 at age 30.

We do this in memory of him, Chief Jon B. Bass said. He was a great fireman. He stood out. He had a lot of fun. He was always enthusiastic, very hard working and put a lot of work for the short time he was member.

Chiefs Awards went to Steve Trenton and Lenord D. Bickelhaupt.

These two gentlemen stepped up a great deal to get things done, Mr. Bass said. Im really thankful for their efforts.

Mr. Trenton, Mr. Bass said, was instrumental in securing a $100,463 grant from the U.S. Department Homeland Securitys Federal Emergency Management Agency for new turnout gear.

According to state regulations, firefighter turn-out gear must be replaced every 10 years.

Hammond Fire and Rescue officials feared the department could not come up with the money before its gears expiration date this year.

Gear for each firefighter costs between $3,600 to $4,000, Mr. Bass said.

There are 45 firefighters in the department.

It was real important to us, Mr. Bass said. It was tremendous not having to find that money somewhere or raising the taxes.